Types of Head Injuries.

• Scalp Injury. Most head injuries only damage the scalp. Examples are a cut, scrape, bruise or swelling.  It is common for children to fall and hit their head while growing up.  This is especially common when a child is learning to walk. Big lumps (bruises) can occur with minor injuries. This is because there is a large blood supply to the scalp.  For the same reason, small cuts on the head may bleed a lot.  Bruises on the forehead sometimes cause black eyes 1 to 3 days later. This is caused by blood spreading downward by gravity. 
• Skull Fracture. Only 1% to 2% of children with head injuries will get a skull fracture.  Most often, there are no other symptoms except for a headache. The headache occurs at the site where the head was hit.  Most skull fractures occur without any injury to the brain. They heal easily.
• Concussion. A mild brain injury that changes how the brain normally works.  It is usually caused by a sudden blow or jolt to the head.  Many children bump or hit their heads without causing a concussion.  The most common signs are a brief period of confusion or memory loss. This happens after the injury. Other signs of a concussion can include a headache or vomiting. Dizziness, acting dazed, or being knocked out can also be signs.  A person does NOT need to be knocked out to have had a concussion. Following a concussion, some children have ongoing symptoms. These can include mild headaches, dizziness or thinking difficulties. School problems or emotional changes can occur. These symptoms can last for several weeks. 
• Brain Injuries are uncommon. They are recognized by the symptoms listed below:
• Hard to wake up or keep awake OR
• Acts or talks confused OR
• Slurred speech OR
• Weakness of arms or legs OR
• Walking is not steady.

Pain Scale

• Mild: Your child feels pain and tells you about it. But, the pain does not keep your child from any normal activities. School, play and sleep are not changed.
• Moderate: The pain keeps your child from doing some normal activities.  It may wake him or her up from sleep.
• Severe: The pain is very bad. It keeps your child from doing all normal activities.

1. What You Should Know:
   • Most head injuries only cause a swelling or bruise to the scalp.
   • The skull bone protects the brain from getting injured.
   • The mildest brain injury is a concussion. Most of those also turn out fine.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Wound Care:
   • If there is a scrape or cut, wash it off with soap and water.
   • For any bleeding, put direct pressure on the wound. Use a gauze pad or clean cloth. Press for 10 minutes or until the bleeding has stopped.
3. Cold Pack:
   • Use a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a wet cloth. Put it on any swelling. Do this for 20 minutes.
   • Reason: Prevent big lumps ("goose eggs"). Also, helps with the pain.
   • Repeat in 1 hour, then as needed.
4. Watch Your Child:  
   • Watch your child closely during the first 2 hours after the injury.
   • Have your child lie down and rest until all symptoms have cleared. (Note: Mild headache, mild dizziness and nausea are common)
   • Allow your child to sleep if he wants to, but keep him nearby.
   • Wake him up after 2 hours of sleeping. Then, check how he walks and talks.
5. Diet:
   • Offer only clear fluids to drink, in case he vomits. Allow a regular diet after 2 hours.
6. Pain:
   • To help with the pain, give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Use as needed. See Dose Table.
   • Exception: Do not give until 2 hours have passed from injury without any vomiting.
   • Never give aspirin to children and teens. Reason: Always increases risk of bleeding.
7. Special Precautions at Night:
   • Mainly, sleep in same room as your child for 2 nights.
   • Reason: If a problem occurs, you will recognize it if you are close by. Problems include a bad headache, vomiting or confusion. Also, look for any change in your child's normal behavior.
   • Option: If you are worried, wake your child once during the night. Check how he walks and talks.
   • After 48 hours, return to a normal sleep routine.
8. What to Expect:
   • Most head impact only causes a scalp injury.
   • The swelling may take a week to go away.
   • The headache at the site of impact usually clears in 2 to 3 days.
9. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Pain or crying becomes severe
   • Vomits 2 or more times
   • Your child becomes hard to wake up or confused
   • Walking or talking is not normal
   • Your child becomes worse